Can you die from heart valve surgery?

While heart valve surgery is a complex and serious procedure, the overall mortality rate is typically low. However, the exact likelihood of death during or after surgery can vary based on a number of factors, including the patient's age, overall health, the type of surgery performed, and the experience of the surgical team.

According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the average 30-day mortality rate for all types of heart valve surgery is around 1.6%. This means that for every 100 people who undergo heart valve surgery, about 2 people may die within 30 days of the procedure.

It's important to keep in mind that this statistic represents an average, and the actual risk for any individual patient may be higher or lower depending on their individual circumstances. For example, people who are older or have more complex health conditions may have a higher risk of complications, including death, following heart valve surgery.

If you are considering heart valve surgery, your surgeon will discuss the specific risks and benefits of the procedure with you in detail, including the potential for death or other complications. This discussion should help you make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the surgery.